SIIL Takes Gold in Chamonix in Its First Month

After losing their first game, the team went on to win the next six games in the group stage, two in the playoffs, and advanced to the final.

A Final That Was a Real Nerve-Wracker

The final against Saint-Gervais turned out to be the kind of game that even Charlie Kaufman would envy. After coming from behind twice, SIIL took a 3–2 lead with 9 minutes remaining. A penalty shot was awarded for a foul in the opponent’s zone by SIIL forward Liam Bonjour, No. 87. Taking the shot was Richard Aimonetto, a former professional in France’s top league with 10 seasons at the highest level. In goal for SIIL was Nils Bonjour, No. 88, our 18-year-old goalie and Liam’s older brother. A quick move left and right—and the puck flew into SIIL’s net, tying the score at 3–3. With 5 minutes remaining, SIIL regained the lead thanks to a shot by Fionn King, making it 4–3.

Final moments: 2:07 left in the game with the score 4–3 and a faceoff in the SIIL zone. The puck goes out of bounds off Liam Bonjour. The opponent is awarded another penalty shot—their last chance to tie the game and force a shootout. Nils Bonjour faces Richard Aimonetto in their second head-to-head matchup. The forward tries once again to rattle the goalie, but Nils holds his ground until the end. The puck hits the pad. Another faceoff; two seconds feel like an eternity as the puck gets stuck between sticks, and SIIL’s shot on goal is blocked. The final buzzer sounds—the SIIL players embrace and congratulate each other on their first title.